In what might come along as massive news to all Royal Challengers Bangalore fans across the country, ace India batter Virat Kohli is set to return as the captain in IPL 2025. According to a report in The Times of India, he has already had discussions with the Bangalore management and wants to take responsibility at a time when there is seemingly a vacant spot for a captain in the team.

The report adds that Shubman Gill was on Bangalore's wishlist and they wanted him to be a part of the team but the deal didn't work out and there are still chances that they will target Rishabh Pant if he is available.

Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis, who is already 40, led the franchise over the last three seasons but with him already at the fag end of his cricket career, Kohli will reportedly return to the helm.

In 16 years of its existence, Bangalore has never won an IPL trophy despite playing three finals and as another quest begins for the elusive title, the franchise wants an able leader at the top.

Kohli has earlier led Bangalore from 2013 to 2021, with the team qualifying for the playoffs in four out of the nine seasons and were very close to winning the title in 2016, before the Sunrisers Hyderabad snatched it, winning the match by just eight runs.

Kohli had stepped down from the leadership role at Bangalore days after relinquishing T20I captaincy but maintained that he will continue to be a part of the franchise till his last match in the tournament, with no thoughts of moving to any other team.

"This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me," Kohli had said ahead of IPL 2021.

The ace India batter has although been part of the leadership group throughout and was often seen discussing strategies with du Plessis on the field.

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